Work has started on a major housing renewal scheme in Holbeck that will deliver warmer, greener homes from 2026 as the first project to be brought forward under the Heart of Holbeck regeneration programme.
The third phase of the area’s group housing improvements will see at least 180 properties upgraded, including a mix of council-owned, owner-occupied and private rented homes. The contract has been awarded to sustainable regeneration specialist Equans, with works due to run through to the end of spring 2027.
Planned improvements include extensive external upgrades designed to boost energy efficiency and reduce heat loss. Homes will receive external wall insulation as part of a full ‘enveloping’ programme, alongside the installation of new roofs, windows and doors. The scheme is being funded through a £15.9 million Local Regeneration Fund grant, supported by additional funding streams including the Great British Insulation Scheme and Warmer Homes grant funding. It aims to deliver on key priorities set out in Holbeck’s Neighbourhood Improvement Plan and forms part of a wider programme of investment across the area.
Alongside housing renewal, further projects are planned to support wider neighbourhood improvements, including investment in a key local community centre and significant upgrades to local centre infrastructure, the environment and green spaces. These schemes are expected to come forward later in 2026.
Council leaders say the programme is designed to make homes easier and more affordable to heat, helping to reduce fuel poverty and the risk of cold-related illness among vulnerable residents. The works also support wider climate ambitions by improving energy performance and cutting household carbon emissions.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing said:
“We are determined that everyone in Leeds has a home that gives them the right foundation for leading a happy and healthy life.
“Schemes like this one move us another step towards achieving that hugely important goal.
“The work will make homes easier and cheaper to heat, a vital consideration at a time when many households are experiencing fuel poverty.
“There will also be environmental benefits, with improved energy efficiency for properties meaning a reduction in carbon emissions.”
Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer services and community safety said:
“This scheme isn’t just about improving homes – it’s about strengthening the community.
“By making properties warmer, safer, and more energy-efficient, we’re helping families reduce their bills, improve their health, and feel proud of where they live.
“We’re grateful to our partners for supporting a scheme that will have such a positive impact on the community.”
Sean Corcoran, Regional Director at Equans commented:
“Improving the energy efficiency of existing homes is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon emissions and achieve net zero targets, both regionally and nationally.
“Most importantly, these upgrades will make a real difference to residents – locking in heat and making their homes more affordable, comfortable and sustainable. This project is a perfect example of partners working together to combine expertise to benefit local people.”
The latest phase builds on earlier work in Holbeck that has already upgraded around 300 homes, with phase one delivered in 2017/18 and phase two completed during 2021/22. Similar energy efficiency improvements have also been delivered in Armley, Little London and Seacroft. The council said the projects demonstrate a continued commitment to tackling social and health inequalities, while working with partners to address climate change as Leeds pursues its ambition to become the UK’s first net zero city.
It is vital that as many people as possible have the opportunity to shape Holbeck’s future. From now until the end of the programme, this community engagement site www.heartofholbeck.commonplace.is will be used to share regular updates and to support consultation with Holbeck residents and local communities.
